I would love to share with you some of what I have learned. There are so many aspects
to Middle Eastern dance and dance in general. Many students, including myself start out belly dancing to get exercise
and have fun, but soon discover the "belly dance addiction," which by my definition means, an intense
desire to learn everything there is to learn about this complex dance form.
If you want to achieve a higher level of dance training than my # 1 tip is, learn
from the best, and the best is Riskallah Riyad. If you are fortunate to live close enough to attend her classes and or workshops I would reccommend
taking advantage of her teachings.
The first belly dance video is at The Lebanese Festival, Saint
Anthony's Maronite Catholic Church, 75th Anniversary Celebration in Danbury Connecticut July 2007
Dancing to George Malouf's
Band Three belly dance video clips: The Entrance, The Cane and The Drum Clip one: The Entrance
Absolute terror is the best way to describe how I felt for 24 hours prior to my first performance to a live band
at the Lebanese Festival. It is always scary to venture into the unknown, so my best advice is to take advice from
those who have been their before. My belly dance instructor Dolores, "Riskallah Riyad." was my adviser.
The band started with Mustafa, which is a very popular song all Middle Eastern folks knows. It's so
familiar, that you can't go wrong requesting it.
Tip: Have
some choreography or combinations in your bag of tricks, so to speak, while at the same time remaining flexible. The
band will most likely play the song you choose differently than what you are used to, so be prepared to dance free form as
well. Enjoy the belly dance video...
Belly dance video clip two: Cane
People
love to see cane dancing, the evening before the festival, Dolores, suggested I do some cane dancing as part of my solo
performance at the festival. I did have some experience with the cane, so I practiced a series of possible
cane dance combinations in preparation. The band played a Saidi Rythym which is perfect for cane dancing, you can hear it
in the video.
Tip : Learn rhythms.
It's really important if you plan on dancing live. Learn to drum the rythyms, Use your zills (finger cymbals) to play
them, say them over and over until they become second nature. Here is a web site with a practical introduction to Middle Eastern Rythyms.
Clip Three: Drum Solo
This is the part
of the performance that everyone seems to love the most. The drummer and the dancer get to really show their skills here.
The drummer will speak to the dancer through his drum and the dancer with her hips, and other parts as well. It doesn't
neccesarily have to be all hips. In fact it is best to vary it and emphasize the beats with other parts. As an example, shoulder
shimmies, chest lifts and chest drops, little kicks with your leg, (pointed toes of course), hand gestures, hair tosses, or
whatever looks good and makes sense to you.
Tip: When the drummer changes
the rythyms he will usually repeat them four times. This way the dancer has a chance to hear it and respond. More tips to
come as I learn more about drum solos.
Tips for dancing to a live band
1. If it is
your first time dancing to a live band, keep it a secret. The band members would prefer to play for an experienced
and confident dancer. Act confident even if you are scared to death as I was!!!! They will not sympathize!!
2.
Learn the rhythms and know what to do when they play those rhythms. Take workshops on rhythms and drums if possible. Here
is an article on rhythms in The Gilded Serpent
3. Ask the band to play a song that you already know for your entrance if possible ( It will be played a little
differently but at least you will be familiar with it and you can use some of your choreography )
4. Watch other
belly dance video clips to see what other dances are doing. Learn what to do and what not to do by watching. You tube has
a ton of belly dancing, most of it is horrid, but occasionally you will find someone worth watching.
5.
Incorporate cane if possible, or zills, only if you play them well. There are sometimes rules to playing zills such as not
playing them as the band is singing. Learn as much as possible before you actually dance a solo to a live band.
6. Know the sequence of a 20 minute solo performance, usually you enter covered with a veil, take off the veil to a slower
rhythm, such as the chiftetelli or a rhumba, then move into beledi or saidi for some cane if you are using one, then the
band may slow it down again, the drum solo usually follows, ending with an exit piece where you can thank the audience
and the band as you dance off.
7. Have some choreography in your mind so that you can have some structure
to fall back on.
8. It's ok to be nervous. It is an indication that you really care and that you want to do
your very best. Just take a deep breath before you go out there and as soon as the music starts, it's magical.
9. Have as many good support people around you as possible.
10. This is your solo and a chance to show
your skills as a professional dancer. Don't encourage the audience to get up and dance with you. If someone does
get up and try to dance with you, acknowledge them and then dance away.
Okbari recently came to play for us. We learned from our experience with these two very sweet guys and have a great respect
for their talent and dedication to preserving this music. Thanks to the most wonderful
Mentor Dolores, "Riskallah Riyad," who has taught me everything I know about Middle Eastern dance. Click here if you want to see slideshow of the Okbari event.
